With a growing population of children with autism, it is important that research focuses on ways to help children with autism live the most productive lives possible... a review of literature suggesting benefits of physical education.

Exercise is a viable, cost-effective treatment for depression and chronic pain and shows promise for other disorders. Exercise therapy as a treatment for psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, has largely remained unrealized.

Since it was formed in 1997, Boundless Playgrounds has helped 17 schools and early-intervention centers nationwide design and construct play areas meant especially to accommodate children with disabilities. The creation of 20 more such playgrounds at schools is under way.

Integrated Movement Therapy has six core principles: structure and continuity, social interaction, language stimulation, self-calming, physical stimulation, and direct self-esteem building.

Rainbow Trainers' unique adapted bikes allow children to Lose the Training Wheels and ride conventional bicycles. We are involved in a program and its delivery to permit children to literally "Lose the Training Wheels." We can help your son or daughter, and other children, to lose their training wheels as well. Use this web site to find out how.

By observation in my own life, I have long felt strongly that aerobic exercise of any kind played a valuable role in my being able to function on a relatively high level as an autistic child and now as well.

Several research studies have shown that vigorous or strenuous exercise is often associated with decreases in stereotypic (self-stimulatory) behaviors, hyperactivity, aggression, self-injury, and destructiveness.

Results are discussed regarding the importance of reducing unhappiness indices as a means of enhancing aspects of the daily quality of life for people with profound multiple disabilities.

Vigorous aerobic exercise might be a useful tool in reducing maladaptative behaviour, thus facilitating community integration. Vigorous exercise results in increased level of plasma endorphin, beneficial lo reducing stereotypy in people with autism.

Otto rode again and again on the front of the board, his eyes hot as coals, and when he hit the beach he thrust out his arms in victory, like an Olympic sprinter. "It's nice for a day for him to feel he's not being judged; he's just being accepted for who he is,'' his mother, Claudia, said, watching from shore. "For one day, he can just be.''

People with autism spectrum disorders may not understand the abstract nature of participating in routine vigorous physical activity as a means of improving health. Many of us understand that idea, but still have a difficult time motivating to exercise.

In today's podcast I explore the possibility of using Yoga to help adolescents and young adults with Asperger's or Autism. Although there have been occasional reports in the media of using Yoga with individuals with Asperger's or special needs, this has generally been a neglected area of inquiry. I interviewed our Yoga consultant, Wendy Bienvenu of Keene, NH, about the group she is helping to organize at Keene State College.

The aim of the programme is to improve self-awareness, build confidence, improve social and behavioural skills and develop concentration and co-ordination through breathing exercises loosening techniques, basic Yoga postures and relaxation.